HC Deb 09 February 1995 vol 254 c412W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the United Kingdom has direct access to the information produced by the United States of America satellite reconnaissance system; and what agreements or treaties govern such access.

Mr. Soames

It is not our practice to comment on such matters.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when and in what circumstances United States high altitude long-range reconnaissance aircraft are based in Britain; if new types of such aircraft have been located, or are being considered for location in Britain; and what treaties or agreements authorise any such arrangements.

Mr. Soames

The basing of all United States Air Force aircraft in the United Kingdom is governed by arrangements mutually agreed between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States in accordance with the operational need pertaining at the time. No new types of high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance aircraft have been based or are being considered for basing in the UK.